UFU interdenominational service to mark Centenary

WELCOME: Pictured is John Boyle, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council welcoming Ivor Ferguson, Ulster Farmersâ Union President to the Guild Hall ahead of the UFU Interdenominational Service.

THE Ulster Farmers’ Union is inviting the farming community to join them at an interdenominational service as part of its centenary celebrations.

The service will be held at 2pm, September 1 in the Derry/Londonderry Guild Hall and is open to all.

“Faith plays a strong part in many of our members’ everyday lives so we felt that we should recognise this as part of our centenary celebrations.

“We are opening the doors of the historic Guild Hall to all. The service will be led by representatives all the major churches, and will be a celebration of an industry we all love to be part of, ” said UFU President Ivor Ferguson.

The collection will go towards the UFU’s ambitious target of raising £100,000 for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, a vital service funded through charity.

“Until 2017 Northern Ireland was the only UK region without an air ambulance. Since its launch we have all seen how this vital service can save lives, including those of people working on farms and living in the rural community,” said Mr Ferguson.

The musical celebrations will be lead by Codetta the internationally acclaimed chamber choir who recently performed at the BBC Proms.

As part of bringing communities together the UFU will be planting a tree to mark its centenary year using soil from each county.

The soil will be collected at the service from members bringing it from their home farms.

There is no charge for this event but due to limited capacity we would ask those that wish to attend to reserve their place by contacting UFU headquarters on 02890 370 222.

“As farmers we know that despite the many problems from weather through prices to red tape we really are blessed to be part of a great industry, where people are doing a job they love,” said Mr Ferguson.